Are Calculators Allowed On The Gre

A quick and easy tool to check the official calculator policy for each section of the GRE General Test.

GRE Calculator Policy Checker

The Official Policy: Are Calculators Allowed on the GRE?

The short answer is **yes, but with major restrictions**. You cannot bring your own calculator. An on-screen calculator is provided, but only for the **Quantitative Reasoning** sections of the GRE General Test. For the Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections, no calculator is permitted. This policy ensures that the test accurately measures the specific skills intended for each section. Understanding precisely when and how you can use the calculator is a key part of an effective GRE preparation strategy. Over 4% of test-takers are surprised by this rule on test day, so knowing the specifics on whether calculators are allowed on the GRE is a significant advantage.

GRE Calculator Rules Explained

The rules are straightforward but strict. This table breaks down the policy for each section of the test.

Official Calculator Policy for the GRE General Test

Test Section	Calculator Allowed?	Details
Quantitative Reasoning	Yes	A basic on-screen calculator is provided.
Verbal Reasoning	No	No calculator of any kind is permitted.
Analytical Writing (AWA)	No	No calculator of any kind is permitted.

How to Use This GRE Calculator Policy Checker

Using this tool is simple and provides instant clarity on the question, “are calculators allowed on the gre?”:

1. Select the Section: Use the dropdown menu to choose the part of the GRE test you’re curious about (Quantitative, Verbal, or Analytical Writing).
2. View the Result: The tool will immediately display the official policy. A green box indicates a calculator is allowed, and a red box indicates it is not.
3. Reset: Click the “Reset” button to clear the result and start over.

This checker helps you quickly internalize the rules, so there are no surprises on your test day. For more in-depth strategies, see our guide on GRE quantitative reasoning tips.

Key Factors That Affect the GRE Calculator Policy

The decision to allow a calculator on the GRE is not arbitrary. It is based on the skills ETS (the test maker) intends to measure. Here are the key factors:

• Skill Assessment: The Quantitative section tests your ability to reason mathematically. The calculator is a tool to handle tedious arithmetic, not to solve the problems for you.
• Fairness: Providing a standardized on-screen calculator ensures that every test-taker has access to the exact same tool, preventing advantages from more advanced personal calculators.
• Focus of Verbal/AWA Sections: The Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections are designed to assess reading comprehension, vocabulary, critical reasoning, and analytical writing skills. A calculator is irrelevant to these tasks.
• Test Security: Prohibiting personal calculators helps maintain test security by preventing the use of devices with stored formulas or text.
• Mental Math Encouragement: Many GRE Quant questions are designed to be solved more quickly through estimation and logical reasoning than with a calculator. The policy subtly encourages these higher-order thinking skills.
• Relevance to Graduate Studies: The policy mirrors the reality of graduate-level work, where understanding concepts is more critical than rote calculation. For a better understanding of scoring, check out our article on what is a good GRE score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring my own calculator to the GRE?

No, you are strictly prohibited from bringing your own calculator. Only the on-screen calculator provided during the Quantitative Reasoning section is permitted.

2. Is the calculator the same for the GRE at home vs. a test center?

Yes, the on-screen calculator is identical whether you take the GRE at a designated test center or at home.

3. What functions does the on-screen GRE calculator have?

It is a basic four-function calculator with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also includes a square root function and a simple memory function. It does NOT have advanced functions like exponents, logarithms, or trigonometry.

4. How can I practice with the official GRE calculator?

The best way is to use the official ETS POWERPREP practice tests. These tests include the exact same on-screen calculator you will see on test day, which is crucial for getting familiar with its interface and limitations. You can find more resources in our free GRE practice tests section.

5. Should I use the calculator on every Quantitative Reasoning question?

No, this is a common mistake. Many questions are designed to be solved faster with mental math, estimation, or logical reasoning. Over-reliance on the calculator can waste valuable time. Learning when *not* to use it is as important as knowing how to use it.

6. Does the policy on whether calculators are allowed on the GRE ever change?

The policy has been consistent for many years. Any official changes would be announced by ETS well in advance. As of 2026, the policy described here is firm.

7. What happens if I’m caught using an unauthorized device?

Your test will be invalidated, your scores canceled, and you may be barred from taking future ETS tests. The consequences are severe.

8. Are calculators allowed for GRE Subject Tests?

This varies by subject. For example, the Physics and Chemistry tests may allow calculators, while the Literature test would not. You must check the specific policy for the Subject Test you are taking.